Our Beaches

Florida’s iconic beaches are the life blood of our tourism-based economy. Beaches also provide essential nesting grounds for sea turtles and a wide variety of sea birds.

FWF is working with conservation allies to conserve turtle nesting beaches along Florida’s coasts. We successfully persuaded the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to require sea turtle conservation in the issuance of federal flood insurance and are working with reinsurance companies to highlight the value of barrier islands, natural features and wetlands to buffer and protect built environments.

FWF successfully engaged in litigation at the state and federal levels which resulted in the requirement that shrimp trawlers employ sea turtle excluder devices. FWF also supports efforts to eliminate non-selective fishing gear to reduce impacts to sea turtles and other marine species.

We have consistently promoted the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA), a federal law that has saved hundreds of thousands of coastal acres from development. CBRA prevents the use of federally-backed subsidized insurance from structures built in high-risk areas, such the beach.

Recently, FWF has been involved in defeating a Legislative proposal that would have hindered the public’s ability to access our beaches. All should have access to enjoy the beach, always in a way that is respectful to wildlife.